Gallery of Honour

Gallery of Honour is a corridor in the Rijksmuseum that leads toward the Night Watch Gallery and displays Dutch Golden Age masterpieces in wall alcoves. Cast iron beams throughout the space bear inscribed names of renowned artists.

The gallery opened in 1885 as part of the newly constructed Rijksmuseum and was created specifically to showcase the finest works of Dutch painting. This decision reflected the artistic ambition to celebrate the nation's artistic legacy.

The walls display coats of arms from Dutch provinces, connecting the exhibited works to their regional origins. These symbols help visitors understand how the artworks relate to the broader cultural landscape of the Netherlands.

The corridor is located centrally in the Rijksmuseum's main building and is easily reached on foot from other galleries. The wide passage provides comfortable viewing space for experiencing the artworks without crowding.

The inscribed artist names on the cast iron beams are often overlooked, yet they honor the creators whose works defined the nation's artistic legacy. This subtle detail demonstrates how the building itself celebrates artistic achievement.

Location: Amsterdam

Inception: 1885

Part of: Rijksmuseum main building

Shares border with: Nightwatch hall

Website: https://rijksmuseum.nl/en/visitor-information/inside-the-rijksmuseum/gallery-of-honour

GPS coordinates: 52.36003,4.88529

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:26